In Search of Genius is moving in the right steps with the new executive director. She come from CPS and has a strong knowledge of how a non profit should be run.
Review from Guidestar
The only positive review was CLEARLY written by the "director" and I use that term as LOOSELY as possible. He is delusional if he thinks that one positive review written by him will negate the multiple negative reviews written about this organization on almost a bimonthly basis. He has no ability to acknowledge his faults, lack of direction, poor leadership skills, mental health/ trust/ financial issues. This guy moved into a Board members home, stopped paying rent and then was engaged in a lawsuit with said Board member. This "serial entrepreneur" has little to no ability to build collaborative relationships with anyone. The revolving door of passionate, experienced, EDUCATED (Northwestern, DePaul, University of Chicago, Vanderbilt, UPenn, etc) masters level employees is absurd. The common denominated is the Founding Director... RUN AS FAST AND AS FAR AS YOUR LEGS WILL CARRY YOU!!!!!!!!
Don't drink the koolaid.
Glassdoor Reviews:
http://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/In-Search-of-Genius-Reviews-E539394.htm
Clearly the person below hasn't worked for the FD long enough. The reviews everywhere for this place are horrible. Check out glassdoor. Not enough faux videos of smiling children could change the fact that this place is pyramid scheme. Not a crook? A man who uses charitable giving to fund his own personal expenses instead of allowing these schools to have the program at lower costs since half of them can't afford the program anyways - sounds like a crook to me. Best of luck to anyone stuck there right now. It never gets better, get out while you still can.
How saddened we are at In Search of Genius to see any comment that is critical of our work or our practices. Our unique and very successful STEM and Mentoring program that has served some 4000 children to date in underserved communities enjoys a wonderful reputation. With that being said, there have been three times over our seven years of being an organization that we have had to request that promised work be submitted so that payment to a worker could be made. We sure hope that that does not amount to anybody being a 'crook'. A short video telling our wonderful story can be found here:
Bill Kurtis ISOG Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcWYyxeqOnM
First and foremost, do not work here. I cannot stress that enough. I would have never left my job if I knew what I know now. Although the mission and work are extremely appealing and commendable, I have never worked for such a crook. I've seen peoples pay be held ransom, hours for their hard work be questioned until the person becomes so frustrated with the Founding Director they feel forced to walk away. I've witnessed countless lies and scheming- and for a "non profit" which is run more like a personal business, the reputation is quickly going down hill. Do not listen to empty promises and lies from their founding director who basically runs the show and refuses to keep staff as employees or pay them what they deserve. He uses this organization as a get rich quick scheme to cover his vehicle and personal expenses. It will quickly be run into the ground once the IRS catches up.
Save yourself a horrendous experience. I wouldn't even volunteer your time.